A Stitch in Time (I) (2022) User Reviews

FANTASTIC INDEPENDANT FILM

[movieguy3000 · 7/10 · 28 September 2023]

A great little heartwarming story about an old woman chasing an old dream, worn out relationships, taking advantage of your spouse and never giving up on passion. Also, a case study on difference in class, rich vs working class and how money means nothing if our passion makes us happy. Great storytelling by director Sasha Hadden, overall film was really good, good music, good actors and was very engaging.

The only let down was the picture - camera used was said to be a Panasonic from Panavision? The image looked like a video camera, very digital and very off-putting, it didn't look like a camera being used by legend cinematographer Don McAlpine. Both this and the color grading was not very good. Also whoever designed the poster looks like it was a student? Together with the trailer which also was not edited very well. I know other people felt emotional, but this was the letdown for me, it should have made me cry or feel strong emotions but wasn't quite executed that way. There were moments that should have connected but for some reason they didn't. Overall, this is one of the best indie films to come out of Australia in 2022 and it won the AACTA award for best film.

Well done to everyone.

A Stitch in Time

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 29 November 2023]

Maggie Blinco turns in quite a touching performance here as the put-upon "Liebe" who has lived for fifty years with the failed and embittered musician "Duncan" (Glenn Shorrock). Frustrated, he decides that he wants to release a new album and so gets in touch with his old, now wealthy, bandmate "Justin" (John Gregg) who is married to her long-time but now estranged pal "Christine" (Belinda Giblin). A dinner between the couples goes pear-shaped very quickly, but not before "Liebe" realises that now might be a good time for her to resurrect her dress-making career. Luckily, she alights on the young and supportive "Hamish" (Hoa Xuande) who encourages her to try and make a go of it. Newly empowered, she leaves her over-bearing partner and initially moves in with "Christine" before that all turns sour and she ends up in a garage under a house full of messy but kindly Chinese exchange students. Can she make a go of it, independently, after all these years? Xuande also delivers quite amiably here as this story gathers a gentle pace that illustrates well just how a bit of spirit and determination - and a little bit of commercial savvy - can overcome the routine and safe aspects of life when you are elderly and emotionally trapped. Sadly, the rest of the acting - especially from Shorrock - is pretty wooden, and there is a little too much dialogue that goes nowhere before a predictably valedictory ending that is optimistic and reconciliatory in a way that I felt rather undermined the thrust of the story. Still, it's a simple story that is worth telling, and watching.

Really excellent

[grahamjenkins-04647 · 10/10 · 26 February 2022]

My wife wanted us to see it and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Great acting. Great story. Deserves a much wider release. The message is that it's never too late. I don't know Sasha Haddon but I see from the credits that she/he wrote, directed, produced, edited and a bunch of other stuff. Worthy of an award.

Not just about sewing

[violet106-863-980065 · 9/10 · 4 March 2022]

I had a few friends and family members who didn't see this movie because they thought it would be all about sewing. When I went to the cinema with my mum (yes, we both sew) there were 8 women in total watching it. Well, it's about sewing as much as "The Wrestler" was about wrestling or "Black Swan" was about ballet. It is an excellent drama about an older woman who gets a new lease on life in her 60's - she happens to have been a dressmaker earlier in her life. I won't spoil it for you - please do yourself a favour and don't miss this Australian gem with excellent actors and a great story!

I laughed I cried I really enjoyed

[shell-69478 · 10/10 · 31 October 2022]

Went to see this movie with my sister and while we were probably some of the youngest in the audience I absolutely enjoyed every part of the movie.

I didn't expect to need the tissues but it bought on a few tears without giving anything away. I really enjoyed some fantastic lines that made me laugh more than I realised.

It bought back memories and I could relate to the students living situation and enjoyed the real life feel of the whole movie.

Overall a fantastic storyline and production scenes were well created and directed and it was a truly touching and inspirational story.

Well done to everyone involved in the creation of this production! Highly recommended!

Excellently made indie film !!

[samip-96422 · 10/10 · 27 August 2022]

This is a charming and enchanting movie. The story is beautifully written and the actors are wonderfully cast. The themes discussed are powerful and heavy and yet the movie will have you grinning as you leave. It follows the highs and lows of relationships, diversity and individual growth. Some of the things that particularly stood out were a refreshingly accurate portrayal of international students and the delightful unexpected friendships and connections! The protagonist is very relatable, though we share very few characteristics. The only locally made indie film that I have recommended to friends and family !!

WOW !!! Highly recommend it !!

[vmacjohn · 10/10 · 13 October 2022]

What an incredible film, the emotion, the heart, the compassion, the courage, the journey to forgiveness, the determination, the grit and the personal growth of the characters. So much portrayed and weaved skillfully using cinematography, music scores and dialect interwoven perfectly to create a truly beautiful film. The growth of the the characters within this film is very realistic. I also enjoyed the interaction with the Chinese students and off course the compassion, friendship and relationship between Hamish and Liebe. Liebe shows true courage, determination and forgiveness as she navigates her way towards her achieving her dream. She shows amazing dignity in what could potentially be an undignified circumstance. So heartwarming!! Walked away gratified to have watched such a great film. Would watch it again!!!

SO REAL. SO TOUCHING. SO BRILLIANT

[georgih-18987 · 10/10 · 18 March 2022]

You would do yourself a great disservice to miss out on seeing this Movie.

It is not about sewing, rather what happens when you decide to follow your passions and dreams, and believe that 'your audience' is yourself.

This movie is a great teacher in that it is clever, wonderfully funny, inspirationally emotional and touching work of Australian art.

I have seen this movie twice now and could watch it again and again. With each time learning more about the importance and frailness of life/living, the importance of removing barriers/stigmas/judgements, and understanding mortality humanity.

This is the story about of everyone's life. It is a mature movie for all ages that no person should miss.

Congratulations to all involved and thank you for bringing such a refreshingly great piece of work us - your audience. Very inspiring.

Truly awesome!!!

[tashtan-79036 · 10/10 · 27 August 2022]

Wasn't sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised by the plot. This is a must-see audience pleaser which explores aspects of gender equality, race and ageism.

This movie is definitely well worth seeing and not to be missed. It is an exceptionally moving production which not only made us cry; but laugh.

A truly great piece of Australian filmmaking which brings to light occurrences in our daily lives which are not normally brought to light. It also highlights the plight of students who are great contributors to our economy. And demonstrates how we can certainly make aspirations come true by banding together regardless of age, race or gender.

A skilful piece of filmmaking - an impressive debut!

Magnificent indie film

[drfzwrhqr · 10/10 · 25 September 2023]

This wonderful film is about human beings; relationships old and new, ambition and humility, acceptance and love. It's a story about growing up and learning; it's a story about getting older and coping with the changes that brings. It's a story about holding onto your ambitions however far-fetched. It's a story about family and all the forms that can take. The writing is intelligent, the actors are real and relateable ... and likeable; what a terrific Australian film.

I often find myself sliding down in my seat watching cringeworthy Australian movies. NOT this one! So proud of the cast and crew; I promise you'll love this film.

A film that finally gave Asian Australian much deserved dignity and recognition

[tongzha-85100 · 10/10 · 27 August 2022]

Hoa Xuande is so gorgeous on-screen throughout the film. He did an excellent job portraying Liebe's friend Hamish. There is so much depth in the relationship between him and Liebe that reminded me of my relationship with my grandfather.

It is not often that we have an Australian film that gives an Asian actor a lead role and it's so refreshing to see that finally we have an outstanding actor representing our community on screen. The film gave a realistic portrayal of Asian Australians' everyday contribution to our diverse country. It showcased the sweat, tears, struggles, breakthrough and fun we experience. The rest of the Chinese students are simply brilliant. I won't say too much here because I don't want to give any spoiler.

Separately, Christine played by Belinda Giblin is just genius. Every time she appeared on screen, she makes us laugh out loud. In this regard, writer/director Sasha Hadden certainly had a facility of comedy. Christine's role has given much balance to the emotional journey that Liebe had travelled through. Fair to say, we were all jealous of Liebe having a good friend like Christine.

Overall, I left the cinemas feeling nourished, entertained and proud. And as I stepped out of the door, I noticed that there were no dry eyes amongst the audience. I highly recommend, A Stitch In Time.

Such a beautiful movie

[deannapatane · 10/10 · 28 March 2022]

I went to see this movie with some friends and my Aunty. We went to one of the events organised by Kitten D'amour. We watched for the fashion but loved the story. Sasha attend the event and was such a lovely man. Hope to see this movie picked up by streaming services so I can see it again.